Ian Roberts' early life was marked by a humble upbringing in Secaucus, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years before venturing out to pursue his passion for the performing arts.
He attended Grinnell College in Iowa, where he began to hone his craft and lay the groundwork for a future in the entertainment industry.
Following his college days, Ian relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent three years (1987-1990) performing in various local theater companies, including the Acacia Theater, Hansberry Sands, and Milwaukee Players.
In 1990, Ian made the bold decision to uproot himself once again, this time moving to Chicago, where he would go on to study improvisation at ImprovOlympic under the tutelage of the renowned Charna Halpern and Del Close.
As a member of the Second City National Touring Company, Ian had the opportunity to refine his skills and gain valuable experience, which ultimately led to the founding of the Upright Citizens Brigade alongside some fellow improvisers.
Since the group's inception in 1990, Ian has been an integral part of every UCB show, both writing and performing in a wide range of productions.
In addition to his work with the Upright Citizens Brigade, Ian has also made a name for himself in the film industry, receiving critical acclaim for his debut feature film role as the tyrannical choreographer Sparky Polastri in the Kirsten Dunst film Bring It On (2000).
More recently, Ian has appeared in the box office smash Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004),solidifying his status as a talented and versatile performer in the world of comedy.